The Story

Best time to go: October - April
Best for: Longer Journeys, Repeat Visitors

A journey by road lets you see far more of Nepal than flying ever could. So you pass through remote villages and towns along the way. There you glimpse a way of life far from the main tourist routes. We use the best drivers and vehicles to bring it all alive. Meanwhile, you stay in charming boutique hotels throughout. As ever, the whole journey is private and tailored to you.

An Overland Adventure

The idea here is simple: no internal flights. Instead, you travel overland from start to finish. So the journey itself becomes part of the experience. Along the way, you reach places most itineraries miss. For example, the hidden villages of Nuwakot and Bandipur. As a result, the trip feels wonderfully immersive.

Kathmandu and Nuwakot

Begin in Kathmandu, staying in Patan at the charming Traditional Homes Swotha. After a private city tour, drive west to remote Nuwakot. The village was hit by the 2015 earthquake, yet has rebuilt with spirit. So you hear its stories and stay at the lovely Famous Farm. Its Durbar Square is a charming mini-Kathmandu.

Bandipur: Untouched by Time

Next, continue west to Bandipur, famed for its Newari houses. Like other such towns, it bans vehicles from its centre. So you find little cafes ideal for lunch. Then head out to the off-the-beaten-track Three Mountain Lodge. The next day, take a light walk in the surrounding countryside. Few visitors come here, so the glimpse feels wonderfully authentic.

The Annapurna Trek

Then drive to Pokhara and on to the Annapurna region. Here you begin a gentle three-night trek, staying in comfortable lodges. The first day is a short walk to Sanctuary Lodge at Birethanti. The next climbs to Ghandruk and Himalaya Lodge, prettiest of the villages. Then you work down a quieter trail to Gurung Lodge at Majgaun.

Pokhara and Chitwan

After the trek, walk to the roadhead and drive to Pokhara. You stay at Temple Tree, with a day at leisure. So you might walk to the World Peace Stupa. Equally, simply read a book by the lakeside. Then drive down to Chitwan National Park, staying at Tiger Tops or Kasara. There you head out on morning and afternoon game drives.

The Road Home

Finally, drive back towards Kathmandu, breaking the journey at Summit River Lodge near Kurintar. The next day, continue up to Dwarika’s Dhulikhel, on the valley rim. So the last days bring rest and Himalayan views. You might relax, take a day-walk, or visit Bhaktapur.

A Different Kind of Trip

The reward of going overland is depth. So you see the country between the headline sights. Meanwhile, the accommodation is a little simpler in places. Even so, the experience is second to none. As a result, it suits travellers who love to immerse themselves fully.

Where You Stay

Naturally, the hotels add real character. First, Traditional Homes Swotha charms in Patan. Then Famous Farm and Three Mountain Lodge bring rural warmth. On the trail, the Annapurna lodges deliver comfort. Finally, Dwarika’s Dhulikhel rounds things off in style.

Best Time to Travel

Generally, spring and autumn bring the clearest views and best roads. They also suit the trekking and game drives. By contrast, the monsoon can make some routes harder. So we plan the journey around the seasons. Either way, we advise on the ideal window for your dates.

Hidden Villages

The real joy here is the places between. So you reach Nuwakot, Bandipur and Kurintar. Few itineraries include them, yet each rewards the detour. Meanwhile, the people are warm and welcoming. As a result, the trip feels refreshingly authentic.

Who It Suits

Above all, this suits travellers who love to immerse themselves. For example, it rewards those wary of constant flights. Equally, it suits anyone curious about everyday Nepal. Couples and small groups enjoy it most.

Designed Around You

As ever, this route is only a starting point. So we shape the pace, the stops and the hotels to suit. In the end, the journey is entirely your own.

Travelling Overland

The driving is a pleasure, not a chore. So the best vehicles and drivers make it comfortable. Meanwhile, the scenery unfolds slowly through the window. Because you stop often, the days never drag. As a result, the road becomes part of the story.

A Final Himalayan View

The trip ends on a high note at Dhulikhel. So you settle in on the valley rim, the peaks beyond. There you might relax, walk or visit Bhaktapur. Meanwhile, the spa eases any travel weariness. In the end, it is a serene close to a rich journey.

A Gentle Pace

Above all, the journey unfolds slowly and richly. So there is always time to stop and explore. Meanwhile, the nights bring comfort and warm welcomes. In the end, it is travel at its most rewarding.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are there really no flights?

That is the whole idea. You travel entirely by road, seeing the country between the sights. So the journey itself becomes the adventure.

Is the trekking hard?

No, it is a gentle three nights, with porters and easy days. So it suits most reasonable walkers. Your guide sets the pace.

What is the accommodation like?

Mostly charming boutique hotels, though a little simpler in remote spots. So comfort is high, with real local character.

Can it be tailored?

Entirely. The route, the pace and the hotels are all shaped around you. Simply share your dates and interests, and we will craft the rest.

Guide Pricing

Starting At

  • LOCATION:
  • £2795P.P
    Price per person including all accommodation, private transfers, unique experiences and excluding international flights. We can arrange international flights should you wish.

    Highlights

    • A journey through Nepal by road which involves no internal flights
    • Blends classic highlights with unique off-the-beaten track destinations
    • Visit the hidden highlights of Nuwakot, Bandipur and Kurintar
    • Also take a trek in the Annapurna Region, explore Kathmandu and Pokhara and spot wildlife in Chitwan

    Suggested Hotels

    Day 1-3

    Traditional Homes Swotha

    $ $ $ $ $  

    Traditional Homes Swotha is a historic boutique hotel in the heart of Patan in Kathmandu, Nepal offering just eight delightful rooms.

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    Day 1-3

    Traditional Homes Swotha

    $ $ $ $ $  

    Traditional Homes Swotha is a historic boutique hotel in the heart of Patan in Kathmandu, Nepal offering just eight delightful rooms.

    View hotel
    Day 4
    Famous Farm, Nuwakot

    Famous Farm

    $ $ $ $ $  

    Famous Farm is located in the off-the-beaten track village of Nuwakot, to the north-west of Kathmandu in Nepal, and is a restored heritage farmhouse giving you a superb insight into rural Nepal.

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    Day 4
    Famous Farm, Nuwakot

    Famous Farm

    $ $ $ $ $  

    Famous Farm is located in the off-the-beaten track village of Nuwakot, to the north-west of Kathmandu in Nepal, and is a restored heritage farmhouse giving you a superb insight into rural Nepal.

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    Day 5-6
    three Mountain Lodge, Bandipur, Nepal

    Three Mountain Lodge

    $ $ $ $ $  

    Three Mountain Lodge is a 12-room trekking lodge located above the village of Bandipur in Nepal, overlooking the Annapurna Range in the distance.    

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    Day 5-6
    three Mountain Lodge, Bandipur, Nepal

    Three Mountain Lodge

    $ $ $ $ $  

    Three Mountain Lodge is a 12-room trekking lodge located above the village of Bandipur in Nepal, overlooking the Annapurna Range in the distance.    

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    Day 7
    Sanctuary Lodge

    Sanctuary Lodge

    $ $ $ $ $  

    Sanctuary Lodge is a trekking lodge located just outside of the village of Birethanti in the Annapurna range in Nepal.

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    Day 7
    Sanctuary Lodge

    Sanctuary Lodge

    $ $ $ $ $  

    Sanctuary Lodge is a trekking lodge located just outside of the village of Birethanti in the Annapurna range in Nepal.

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    Day 8
    Himalaya Lodge

    Himalaya Lodge

    $ $ $ $ $  

    Himalaya Lodge is a trekking lodge overlooking the picture-perfect Himalayan village of Ghandruk in the Annapurna Region of Nepal.

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    Day 8
    Himalaya Lodge

    Himalaya Lodge

    $ $ $ $ $  

    Himalaya Lodge is a trekking lodge overlooking the picture-perfect Himalayan village of Ghandruk in the Annapurna Region of Nepal.

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    Day 9
    Gurung Lodge

    Gurung Lodge

    $ $ $ $ $  

    Gurung Lodge is a trekking lodge located in Majghgaon in Nepal and has fantastic views over the Annapurna Range.

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    Day 9
    Gurung Lodge

    Gurung Lodge

    $ $ $ $ $  

    Gurung Lodge is a trekking lodge located in Majghgaon in Nepal and has fantastic views over the Annapurna Range.

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    Day 10-11
    Temple Tree, Pokhara, Nepal

    Temple Tree Pokhara

    $ $ $ $ $  

    Temple Tree Resort & Spa is a welcoming boutique hotel located in Pokhara in Nepal with views over the Annapurna Mountain Range.

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    Day 10-11
    Temple Tree, Pokhara, Nepal

    Temple Tree Pokhara

    $ $ $ $ $  

    Temple Tree Resort & Spa is a welcoming boutique hotel located in Pokhara in Nepal with views over the Annapurna Mountain Range.

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    Day 12-13
    Tiger Tops Tharu Lodge, Chitwan | Wildlife Lodge in Nepal | Millis Potter

    Tiger Tops Tharu Lodge

    $ $ $ $ $  

    Tiger Tops Tharu Lodge is an exceptional eco-friendly wildlife lodge located in Chitwan National Park in Nepal.

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    Day 12-13
    Tiger Tops Tharu Lodge, Chitwan | Wildlife Lodge in Nepal | Millis Potter

    Tiger Tops Tharu Lodge

    $ $ $ $ $  

    Tiger Tops Tharu Lodge is an exceptional eco-friendly wildlife lodge located in Chitwan National Park in Nepal.

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    Day 14

    Summit River Lodge

    $ $ $ $ $  

    Summit River Lodge is an off-the-beaten track boutique hotel located midway between Kathmandu and Pokhara in Nepal overlooking the Trisuli River.

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    Day 14

    Summit River Lodge

    $ $ $ $ $  

    Summit River Lodge is an off-the-beaten track boutique hotel located midway between Kathmandu and Pokhara in Nepal overlooking the Trisuli River.

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    Day 15-16
    Infinity Pool, Dwarika's Dhulikhel, Kathmandu, Nepal

    Dwarika’s Dhulikhel

    $ $ $ $ $  

    Dwarika’s Dhulikhel is a luxury resort located on the top of the Kathmandu Valley in Nepal offering superb views, about an hour’s drive from the city.

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    Day 15-16
    Infinity Pool, Dwarika's Dhulikhel, Kathmandu, Nepal

    Dwarika’s Dhulikhel

    $ $ $ $ $  

    Dwarika’s Dhulikhel is a luxury resort located on the top of the Kathmandu Valley in Nepal offering superb views, about an hour’s drive from the city.

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    Customise Your Itinerary

    Any part of this itinerary can be customised, whether you want to add nights here and there, tailor the day-to-day experiences, or even just start from scratch creating a totally bespoke itinerary.

    Idea 1

    If you want to make the trip even longer, then why not add in a trek in the Everest Region.

    Idea 2

    Extend your trek in the Annapurna Region. This suggested itinerary only has three days, but we can make this five very easily using comfortable lodges, or longer if you want to get further into the mountains using traditional tea houses.

    Idea 3

    One way to cover the journey from Pokhara to Chitwan is to embark on a two day raft down the Seti River. It is a more of a float, with a few rapids, and allows you to get even further off-the-beaten track.